Full Day in Key West.

Our Location today is Sugar Loaf Key, Florida, USA.

The roosters were kind enough that they didn’t start their crowing until after 5:30 this morning so my body was better rested for today. We didn’t dawdle too much this morning so after having a more filling type breakfast we were on our way to Key West by 9:00. 

Kathy had really researched the outings for today. Almost making it like a bucket list of things that we missed out on last year along with a few things we hadn’t known about. Last year we had been told about parking at the Post Office in downtown Key West. Even though it sounded pricey at the time it actually cost less than anywhere else since we were able to park there the entire day and it is close to everything happening downtown.

We parked the truck by 9:30 and started walking down towards Truman’s Little White House. Last year we’d only viewed the outside and the souvenier store but didn’t take the tour. Today we learned of all the different presidents that have used this for not only personal use but for the meeting of many foreign dignitaries as well. The part that upset me was there was no video or still photography allowed inside the building. 

After the tour we thought we’d grab a lite sandwich for lunch but instead since we ate a lite and early breakfast we had Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches with fries at Fogarty’s Saloon an outdoor eating establishment. Surprisingly for the size of the sandwiches we weren’t feeling stuffed and weren’t bogged down while we continued our afternoon adventures. 

7 year old competitor

11 year old competitor.

Smile you're on the local news.

We got down to the Conch Shell Blowing Contest shortly after noon. This event takes place yearly on Duval Street and funds raised help support the local Historical Society. Since we were running behind we didn’t bother to get our chairs from the truck but even if we’d had them there would have been no place to put them. 

Female division competitor.

A true Master of Conch Blowing in men's division.

Unexpected group Conch Blowers from Ohio entertaining the attendees.

The contestants were divided by age groups and were judged by how long they could carry a single note, the loudest and even if they could play a tune on their Conch. The closest we could get was by the back of the yard so in order to take pictures of the contestants I had to zoom in and crouch down with people many times walking in front of me. Kathy just wanted to see the competition and didn’t wait to see who won because she wanted to get to the other things on her to-do list. 

Watch for the blurs of colors.
 Those are the hoards of Butterflies that surrounded us.

This guy thought he could ride my foot to freedom.

We walked nearly down the entire length of Duval Street to the Butterfly House. After paying the admission and being instructed on the dos and don’ts we entered the controlled tropical climate of the atrium where several varieties of birds and butterflies were housed. Even though it was a wonderful experience to have so many butterflies flying about sometimes in clouds the variety wasn’t as great as we have seen in the Niagara Falls Butterfly and Tropical Bird Sanctuary.  

These Smoothies were huge and delicious.

Keeping hydrated was almost hard to do with the 81 F (27 C) that felt like 97 F (36 C) so after leaving the Butterfly House we stopped for a smoothie at the Smoothie Shuttle just up the street on Duval. Since we were so warm we both ordered a large and watched as they were put together before our eyes. We sat inside enjoying the flavors of our drinks and the re-energized sensation we felt coming over us. We had both totally consumed our smoothies before we left to explore some of the touristy shops that we’d missed last year. 

This one's for Doug and Nancy.

This guy never got over his Big Wheel Dually.

It was past 4:00 by the time we made it down to Mallory Square where we had supper out on the pier at the same place as last year at the Sunset Pier. This time we ordered each a Mahi fish sandwich. We enjoyed being able to sit in comfortable chairs supporting our backs and the cooling breeze blowing off the Gulf while we had our meal. 

We took our time eating so it was past 5:30 by the time we wandered back over to Mallory Square. The street performers were out in force all vying for your attention and cash donations.  Some would be performing while others waited their turns and simply warmed up on the sidelines. There were jugglers, acrobats, musicians and entertainers all there to perform for the crowds. There were even vendors selling everything from food to jewelry and I counted at least three Fortune Tellers. 

The only act we remember from last year and they are good.

The sun was gorgeous as usual and by 6:30 when it sank below the horizon the chaos of many people trying to get out of town as quickly as possible ensued. We stayed until nearly 8:00 taking in some of the performances that had a totally different effect than if we’d been watching in daylight. We also noted that there was only one musical group that we recognized from last year. 

By the time we get the blog posted we’ll probably be sleeping in later tomorrow morning even if the roosters start their early crowing. Besides don’t forget to turn your clocks ahead tonight for Daylight-Savings Time that starts tonight. Thanks for following along and feel free to leave a comment. Be Safe and Enjoy!

It’s about time.

Krackers

You Might Be a Redneck If

You cleaned up after a party with a leaf blower.